Dental Hygiene Laser

Laser Assisted Periodontal TreatmentBy: Meghan Kovacic & Kaitlyn Verna

Educational Goal: to increase the awareness to dental hygienists regarding the benefits of the dental laser to promote optimal oral and systemic health.



(Inside Dentistry, 2011)



Objectives:

1. Discuss the use of a laser used in periodontal treatment.
2. Explain how the laser has positive effects on your overall health.
3. Explain the benefits of a laser in conjunction with periodontal treatment.
4. Briefly explain the most commonly used lasers in dentistry.
5. List the positive and negative effects of the laser used in periodontal treatment.
6. Discuss when to incorporate the laser

How is a laser used in periodontal treatment?The laser, in combination with scaling and root planing is more effective than scaling and root planning alone. It enhances the speed and extent of the client’s gingival healing and post­operative comfort. This is accomplished through laser bacteria reduction, debridement and biostimulation (Dental Materials and Technology, 2009). Laser is an acronym for "light amplification by emission of radiation" (Dean, 2008).

Positive effects of the laser and your overall healthA bacteria called A. actinomycetemcomitans which has been implicated in ag­gressive periodontitis may also be implicated in systemic disease as well. It has been found in dental plaque and there has been recent data suggesting that it may be related to coronary heart dis­ease. The laser is effective in decreasing the bacteria called A. actinomycetem­ and therefore improving the client’s overall health. (Oral Health, 2009)

What are the benefits of a laser in conjunction with periodontal treatment?The laser represents the newest technology with many advantages that help in the treatment of periodontal diseases, as well as other soft tissue problems. Traditionally, periodontal treatment has either involved surgical or non-surgical procedures to suppress or halt the progression of infections, regenerate tissues, and help the host to fight inflammations. By using the laser along with periodontal debridement, laser therapy can be beneficial in ways such as; antimicrobial efficacy, improved tissue healing, greater client acceptance, anti-inflammatory effects, and reduced postoperative pain. To see how the periodontal laser works, click on the Youtube video below!


(Inside Dentistry, 2011)

How the Periodontal Laser Works!




(Multicare Health Group, 2011)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puab_oLYGDU


The four most commonly used lasers in dentistry:

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
2. Diode
3. Neodymium yttrrium-aluminum-garnet
4. Erbium yttrium-aluminum-garnet

• (Dean, 2008)

Positive effects of the laser used in periodontal treatment:

• minimal bleeding when used on gingiva
• excellent for surgical cutting
• bactericidal effects on certain species of bacteria
• can be used for cavity preparations
• reduces bacteria within a periodontal pocket
• reduces the need for chemotherapeutics
• provides faster healing
• provides debridement of root surfaces
• treatment for dental hypersensitivity
• promotes periodontal attachment
• affordable
• minimal pain
• (Gutierrez, 2007)

Negative effects of the laser used in periodontal treatment:

• certain lasers have poor effects on root surfaces (carbon dioxide laser)
• may produce toxic substances
• the overuse of antibiotics can cause resistance to bacteria
• (Dean, 2008)

When to incorporate the laser:

• When bleeding upon probing occurs, which indicates a diseased area and can benefit from bacteria control from the laser.
• Diseased areas that are at a stage of progression (gingivitis, periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis).
• Removal of hard and soft deposits that hand instrumentation may not reach.
• To maintain periodontal health.
• (Gutierrez, 2007)

How is the dental laser affordable?

• Billed to clients insurance under the codes of scaling fee guide
• Clients who have no dental insurance pay the same price in the fee guide for per unit of scaling

Client Reviews of the Periodontal Laser










(Post Laser Gum Surgery Interview, 2009)

Key Points:

• Periodontal treatment with the laser has minimal pain
• Inhibits the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity
• Improves periodontal pocket depths and increases the healing process
• Promotes optimal oral systemic health

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Sources:
Dean, B. D. (2008). Review of laser physics and tissue interaction. In Concepts in laser periodontal therapy . Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.ineedce.com/courses/1428/PDF/ConceptsInLaserPerio.pdf
Goldstep, F., & Press, J. (2009). Soft tissue diode laser: where have your been all my life?. In Dental Materials and Technololy. Retrieved November 11, 2011, from http://www.amdlasers.com/media/articles/OH_July09_Goldstep.pdf

Gutierrez, T. (2007, November 12). Why incorporate lasers into periodontal therapy . In Lasers in Dental Hygiene: why, where and when. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.dentalcompare.com/Featured-Articles/1948-Lasers-in-Dental-Hygiene-Why-Where-and-When/

Inside dentistry, (2011). Periodontal applications of the diode laser [Photograph]. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from
http://www.dentalaegis.com/id/2010/02/periodontal-applications-of-the-diode-laser

Neuman, L., & Weisbrod, E. (2010, February). Periodontal applications for the diode laser. In Inside Dentistry. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.dentalaegis.com/id/2010/02/periodontal-applications-of-the-diode-laser